If someone is threatening, harassing, or hurting you, a restraining order is a legal tool that can protect you. Los Angeles County courts take these matters seriously and can issue temporary protection the same day you file. Here’s exactly how the process works.
Step 1: Determine Which Type You Need
| Type | Use When | Forms |
| Domestic Violence (DVRO) | Current/former spouse, partner, cohabitant, or close relative | DV-100, DV-109, DV-110 |
| Civil Harassment (CHRO) | Neighbor, coworker, stranger, acquaintance | CH-100, CH-109, CH-110 |
| Elder Abuse | You’re 65+ or a dependent adult being abused | EA-100, EA-109, EA-110 |
| Workplace Violence | Your employer files on behalf of an employee | WV-100, WV-109, WV-110 |
The most common are DVRO and CHRO.
Step 2: Complete the Forms
For a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO):
- DV-100 — Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (your main petition)
- DV-109 — Notice of Court Hearing
- DV-110 — Temporary Restraining Order (the judge fills this out)
- CLETS-001 — Confidential CLETS Information (law enforcement database)
For a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO):
- CH-100 — Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order
- CH-109 — Notice of Court Hearing
- CH-110 — Temporary Restraining Order
Be specific and detailed in your petition. Include: – Dates, times, and locations of incidents – Exact words spoken or written – Physical actions taken – Names of witnesses – Police reports filed – How the behavior made you fear for your safety
Step 3: File at the Courthouse
For LA County, restraining order filings are typically handled at: – Stanley Mosk Courthouse — 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles – Other district courthouses based on where you or the restrained person lives
Filing fee: – DVRO: Free (no filing fee for domestic violence) – CHRO: $435 (fee waiver available if you qualify)
Step 4: Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
When you file, the judge reviews your petition the same day or next business day. If granted: – The TRO goes into effect immediately – It typically lasts 20–25 days until the hearing – It can order the person to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children – It can order the person to move out of a shared home – It can grant temporary custody of children
Step 5: Serve the Restrained Person
The restrained person must be personally served with: – A copy of your petition – The TRO (if granted) – The hearing date notice
Service must be completed by someone other than you who is 18+. The Sheriff can serve the papers for free in domestic violence cases.
Step 6: The Hearing
At the hearing (usually 20–25 days after filing): – Both sides present their case – You can bring witnesses and evidence – The judge decides whether to grant a permanent restraining order (lasting up to 5 years) – The order can be renewed before it expires
What a Restraining Order Can Do
- ✅ Order the person to stay a specific distance from you (typically 100 yards)
- ✅ Prohibit contact by phone, text, email, social media, or through third parties
- ✅ Remove the person from a shared home
- ✅ Grant temporary child custody and support
- ✅ Order the person to surrender firearms
- ✅ Order the person to not destroy property
How Superior Court Docs Can Help
Filing for a restraining order is stressful enough without worrying about paperwork errors. Superior Court Docs prepares your complete restraining order petition — every form filled out correctly and ready to file.
📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started.
Related: California Restraining Orders Guide | Types of Restraining Orders | What Happens at the Hearing
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